FDF Brandz buys Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria chain

The move was announced by Canadian restaurateur and franchise developer Frank Di Benedetto, chief executive officer and owner of FDF Restaurant Brandz, which with this acquisition owns about 175 franchise restaurant locations, including Ricky’s Group of Family-style restaurants and Fatbuger locations.

The move adds more than two dozen Famoso locations in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Saskatchewan to the parent company's holdings. None of the current Famoso locations will close, the company said in a news release.

“We are delighted to bring the popular Famoso chain into the fold and welcome the franchise owners of these neighbourhood pizzerias known for using authentic ingredients and processes to create flavorful Neapolitan pizzas and other tasty choices,” Di Benedetto said.

He sees significant growth potential in the chain that was started by three young restaurant entrepreneurs, the release said. A smaller 1,250-square-foot, 24-seat quick-service take-out version to be called Famoso Pronto will join the current Famoso 2500 model, which features 2,500 square feet of dining and bar space. Famoso is an eat-in/take-out and delivery format pizzeria and bar.

New franchisees will be recruited for further expansion of the brand in western and eastern Canada.

FDF Brandz will retain Famoso’s current operations and marketing team, including one of the principals, for at least six months to ease the transition and to assist with franchise development of the revised model format.

FDF Brandz is targeting system-wide sales in Canada of approximately $225 million by end of 2019. It projects 200 chain franchise restaurants by the end of 2020. Over the next five years, FDF Brandz said it plans to double the number of Famoso locations in Canada and to grow the brand internationally.

Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria was founded by Justin Lussier, Jason Allard and Christian Bullock in 2007.